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What is a ‘Hernia’?
A hernia is the bulging or protrusion of an organ or contents of some body cavity through the muscles or tissue that surround and contain it. In most cases, hernias found are in the abdominal area. In general use, the term “hernia” refers to abdominal hernias. Generally harmless, the risk always exists of strangulation, whereby the blood supply is cut off, creating an emergency situation.
What Types of Abdominal Hernias
Are There?
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Inguinal hernia (occurs where the skin crease at the top of the thigh joins the torso; often descends in men from the abdomen into the scrotum)
- Femoral hernia (bulging through the abdominal wall into the femoral canal; causes a bulge near the middle of the thigh)
- Umbilical hernia (occurs when an opening in the abdominal wall doesn’t close before birth; often appears as a protrusion of the bellybutton)
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Incisional hernia (result of abdominal surgery causing weakness in the abdominal wall)
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Spigelian hernia (occurs at the edge of the rectus abdominus muscle, several inches to the side of the abdomen)
- Obturator hernia (most commonly found in women, the hernia protrudes from the pelvic cavity through the pelvic bone)
- Epigastric hernia (occurs between the naval and lower part of the rib cage)
What Causes or Exacerbates a
Hernia?
Anything that puts additional pressure on the weakened abdominal area can result in creation of a hernia or worsening of an existing hernia. Some conditions include:
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Lifting of heavy objects, especially without proper support
- Obesity
- Persistent, heavy coughing or sneezing
- Straining during bowel movements or urination
- Chronic lung disease
- Build up of fluid in the abdominal cavity
- Pregnancy
- TRAM abdominal muscle flap surgery as part of breast reconstruction
Physical Therapy for Hernias
Post-operatively, pain and tightness can develop in and around the site of hernia surgery, especially where scar tissue has formed. By increasing flexibility in these areas, increasing strength and loosening scar tissue, faster healing will occur, enabling the patient to return to a normal level of activity. Exercises focusing on flexibility and range of motion include hip/leg extensions, adduction, flexion and rotation.
Teaching of proper body mechanics for static and dynamic activities, such as lifting, is important to lessen future stresses upon the abdominal area. Patients are shown proper lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling activities.
Strengthening of synergestic muscle groups, such as hamstrings and gluteals, will also lessen the stresses during dynamic activities. External supports (braces/trusses) are also utilized in the progression to full activities of daily living.
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8080 Old York Road, Suite 208
· Elkins Park, PA 19027
215-782-8760
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